- By Deeksha Gour
- Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:32 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Chennai News: Residents of Korukkupet and Old Washermenpet can look forward to a new 150-metre subway, which the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to complete by the end of May. This subway will enable vehicles to cross the Korukkupet railway tracks more easily. Currently, there is only one railway level crossing, which struggles to accommodate the heavy traffic in the area.
GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran announced that the raft construction has been finalised. He stated, "The work on the side walls and top slab will be completed soon and the subway will be opened to the public by May." The two-lane facility is designed for small vehicles, including cars, bikes and autos.
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The Rs 20-crore subway project, which began in 2022, faced delays that sparked protests a few months ago. Over 100 residents gathered at the site to voice their concerns, as the construction had closed a 500-metre road linking Mint and Korukkupet. Consequently, more than 10,000 residents have been forced to take a 2-kilometre detour via Old Washermenpet and Thiruvottiyur High Road to reach Mint.
The Times Of India report cited, Ward 42 Councillor M. Renuka as stating that the Korukkupet bus terminus is temporarily located beneath the Mint terminus due to the closure of Kannan Road. "Residents are having to spend money on autos and shared autos to get to Mint. We have also asked the RK Nagar MLA to address this issue," she added.
GCC officials explained that the delays were primarily due to the relocation of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) pipelines, along with underground sewage and water pipelines, which were only moved last month. Recently, HR&CE Minister P. K. Sekarbabu inspected the construction site and urged officials to speed up the work.